The Federal Government is to establish the Council for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs to address issues surrounding local government administration.
The Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Zaphaniah Jisalo, stated this in Abuja at the annual conference of functionaries and key actors in local government administration with the theme “the trajectory of local government administration in Nigeria and the institutional challenges.”
Mr. Jisalo, said the establishment of the Council would go a long way in addressing issues such as the state and local government joint account, where some stakeholders say the funds hardly get to the third level of government.
Also at the event was the unveiling of a 5-year strategic plan for the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, which outlines the mission and vision of the Ministry to fulfil its mandate.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ibiene Roberts, who underscored the action plan, said it was an outcome of rigorous research, extensive stakeholder consultation, and a steadfast commitment to effecting meaningful change in the Ministry.
“The Strategic Plan articulates our vision, our mission, our goals, and our strategies for overcoming the institutional challenges that have impeded the growth of local government administration.”
The Chairman, House Committee on Special Duties, Tukura Ibrahim, promised that the 10th Assembly would pass the local government autonomy bill, which was already long overdue.
In their presentations, the Executive Secretary, National Lottery Trust Fund, Dr. Bello Maigari, the Director General, National Lottery Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, and the Acting Secretary, Nigeria Merit Award, Mrs Mercy Moro’a, who highlighted their mandates and some of their achievements, expressed readiness to work with the Minister, who clocked a hundred days in office.
Also, some of the stakeholders from the local government, consisting of chairmen and their representatives, promised to implement the outcomes of the conference.
The highlight of the event was the launch of a booklet on the ”journey so far’ by the Minister.
